Libertarian Gubernatorial Candidate Arrested
At State Fair
Huron (3 AUG 2002) - Libertarian candidate for governor, Nathan A. Barton of rural Rapid City, was arrested today by security guards at the so-called "Freedom Stage" on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, at the beginning of a congressional candidates forum which did not include Libertarian candidate Terry Begay of Volin.
Mr. Barton was standing on the side of the audience area and asking in a loud voice, "Where is Terry Begay? There are three candidates on the ballot for US House, where is the third candidate? Don't we have a right?" when he was grabbed in mid-sentence by two police or sheriffs deputies moonlighting as security for either the State Fair or Dakota News Network (sponsor of the series of three forums, for House, Senate and Governor). All of the forums featured only the Democratic and Republican candidates, and excluded the three Libertarian candidates and one Independent candidate who have made the ballot for the November 5th election for the various offices.
Mr. Barton had earlier spoken to the moderator, who had first said that only "invited" candidates were to be featured, and then claimed that it was only because the Libertarian Party campaigns had not contacted DNN that they were not included. Another Libertarian, Kurt Evans, candidate for the US Senate, had been warned by DNN that if he attempted to go on the stage, he would be stopped by security. Mr. Barton made his comments from the side of the outdoor audience area, and did not attempt to say anything on the stage.
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At State Fair
Huron (3 AUG 2002) - Libertarian candidate for governor, Nathan A. Barton of rural Rapid City, was arrested today by security guards at the so-called "Freedom Stage" on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, at the beginning of a congressional candidates forum which did not include Libertarian candidate Terry Begay of Volin.
Mr. Barton was standing on the side of the audience area and asking in a loud voice, "Where is Terry Begay? There are three candidates on the ballot for US House, where is the third candidate? Don't we have a right?" when he was grabbed in mid-sentence by two police or sheriffs deputies moonlighting as security for either the State Fair or Dakota News Network (sponsor of the series of three forums, for House, Senate and Governor). All of the forums featured only the Democratic and Republican candidates, and excluded the three Libertarian candidates and one Independent candidate who have made the ballot for the November 5th election for the various offices.
Mr. Barton had earlier spoken to the moderator, who had first said that only "invited" candidates were to be featured, and then claimed that it was only because the Libertarian Party campaigns had not contacted DNN that they were not included. Another Libertarian, Kurt Evans, candidate for the US Senate, had been warned by DNN that if he attempted to go on the stage, he would be stopped by security. Mr. Barton made his comments from the side of the outdoor audience area, and did not attempt to say anything on the stage.
( Read more... )